NFU: Grassroots Activists Have Come to Washington for Generations To Make Things Happen

WASHINGTON (September 1, 2015) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson today thanked the organization’s energized grassroots activists for their willingness to fight for better public policies for family farmers and ranchers, and for the enthusiasm they demonstrate when they come to Washington to help make good, effective public policy.

“For generations, Farmers Union activists have come from across the land by bus, plane, automobile or train to bring the issues affecting the nation’s farm families directly to their members of Congress,” said Johnson. “Some of the participants have made several dozen trips to the nation’s capital over the years.”

Johnson pointed out that the event is now called “fly-in,” but the name has changed over the years to reflect the predominant form of transportation used at the time. Regardless the mode of transportation used, the event has proven to be a very effective way to help hold policymakers’ feet to the fire on important issues to rural America. Last year, more than 250 Farmers Union members participated in the fall fly-In, meeting with their elected representatives, as well as important U.S. Department of Agriculture and other administration officials.

“Farmers Union is truly a grass-roots organization that has been driven by its voting members for well over a century,” said Johnson. “We form our national policies through the participation of family farmer and rancher delegates at our national convention, and then many of them come to Washington to bring those ideas to fruition, ” he noted.

Fly-In participants always focus on issues of top importance to Farmers Union, aiming to have an impact on the direction of policies that will help rural America and the greater nation prosper.

“Activists will have their hands full this year, as there are many key issues of concern, including Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), the Renewable Fuel Standard, and international trade,” said Johnson. “Yes, they have a lot on their plates, but frankly, they’re up to the task,” he said.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.